Jacksons image, produced by Pulse Entertainment, was seen dancing and singing a new song called Slave to the Rhythm at the Billboard Music Awards.
Michael Jackson was alive and moonwalking his way across the stage during a 3D holographic performance at the Billboard Music Awards on May 18, live from the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. The Jackson likeness was brought to the stage with technology that led to a copyright infringement lawsuit that nearly stopped the performance altogether. This type of projection effect has been catching on with event producers since it was popularized with a digital performance by deceased rapper Tupac Shakur at the 2012 Coachella music festival.
In the Billboard Music Awards performance, Orlando, Fla.-based Pulse Entertainment brought Michael Jackson to the stage, where he was seen dancing and singing a new song called Slave to the Rhythm, presumably in an effort to promote Jacksons second posthumous album, Xscape.
Because the resulting image was similar in appearance to patented 3D holographic projection technology that is marketed and controlled by Hologram USA and Musion Das Hologram, the patent-holders filed a lawsuit against the producers of the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, claiming copyright infringement.
A federal judge ruled the Friday before the event (the case was heard the preceding Thursday afternoon) that the Billboard Music Awards producers could use the holographic version of Jackson, rejecting claims made by Hologram USA and Musion Das Hologram. Judge Kent Dawson said he didnt find enough evidence to show the 3D image would violate patents.
Holographic projection technology is able to deliver a lifelike re-creation of an individual that is capable of addressing the audience, moving around stage and even interacting with others with pre-scripted effects. To create the effect of a three-dimensional hologram, an overhead projector throws an image onto a carefully tilted mirror embedded in the stage floor. The moving image is then reflected onto a special screen on stage that makes it appear as if the hologram is physically present.
Hologram USA and Musion Das Hologram obtained the rights to patents relating to holographic performances from visual effects company Digital Domain (responsible for the effects in X-Men: First Class, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as the Tupac Shakur performance at Coachella, with AV Concepts), after the veteran post house filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware in 2012.
The public was not aware of the 3D projected performance at the Billboard Music Awards beforehand, as the show hyped only a history-making performance. Plans to use the hologram emerged with details of the lawsuit.
Attorney Howard Weitzman, who represents Jacksons estate and Billboard Music Awards producer Dick Clark Productions, wrote in an e-mail to USAToday.com, The courts decision [was] not surprising. He added, The request to stop this extraordinary Michael Jackson event was ludicrous.
The lawsuit also named John C. Textor, chairman of Pulse Entertainment and former CEO of Digital Domain. Pulse Entertainment staged the Jackson revival at the Billboard Music Awards and was accused of using the hologram techniques without a proper license. Textor would not comment publicly on the case.
The plaintiffs attorney, Ryan G. Baker, said his clients were disappointed with the ruling, but the performance went on as planned.
According to CNN.com, the dance moves used in the Billboard Music Awards event were not those of Jackson himself but of a stand-in performer who re-created Jacksons steps for a computer. The computer recorded the motion and integrated it with an image intended to replicate Jackson.
Mark Cuban, owner of the NBAs Dallas Mavericks, tweeted Hes baaaccck! and included an Instagram video.
Theres no doubt the effect was captivating, if a bit synthetic to Jackson fans. A public relations executive tweeted, Uncomfortable, odd and eerily interesting. Not quite sure what to feel. #MissingMJ
In March, USAToday.com reported that Hologram USA sued Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International over its show, Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. The show makes liberal use of 3D holographic images of Jackson. Hologram USA says the show represents an unlicensed use of its technology.
Jacksons performance at the 2104 Billboard Awards isnt the first digital reawakening of an artist since Tupacs virtual comeback. This year, rapper M.I.A. and singer Janelle Mon e both performed private solo concerts in different cities before teaming up at the end of their shows as life-sized 3D projections. Last year, hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan used a hologram of rapper Ol Dirty Bastard.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
26/03/2026
Extron and Audio-Technica have announced that their Design Solutions devices, Ce...
26/03/2026
SPORTEL Asia took place March 24-25 at the Orchard Hotel Singapore, drawing 370 participants representing more than 220 companies from 35 countries. Approximate...
26/03/2026
LTN will demonstrate satellite-to-IP migration solutions for broadcasters, cable networks, MVPDs, and station groups at NAB Show 2026 (Booth W2100).
The C-Ban...
26/03/2026
The Seattle Mariners have partnered with Daktronics to install an upgraded outfi...
26/03/2026
The Esports Foundation (EF) has awarded National Team Partner status to organizations and individuals across more than 100 countries and territories for the Esp...
26/03/2026
Telestream has announced expanded integration between its Vantage workflow platf...
26/03/2026
FOR-A Corporation has announced a partnership with Nippon TV and NVIDIA to distr...
26/03/2026
CBS Sports and the WNBA have expanded their partnership through a new long-term, multiplatform rights agreement. CBS Sports will feature up to 20 regular-season...
26/03/2026
Zac Brown Band will star in the Sunday Night Baseball show open on NBC and Peacock, NBC Sports announced. The open was filmed at American Family Field, home of ...
26/03/2026
Major League Baseball opens the 2026 season with nationally televised games across multiple media partners. Fans can visit MLB.com/Watch for a complete schedule...
26/03/2026
DIRECTV has announced an agreement to carry nine new MLB-operated team channels, covering the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers (Detroit SportsNet), Kansas City R...
26/03/2026
Nationals.TV, the Washington Nationals' local broadcast channel, is now avai...
26/03/2026
Starting Thursday, March 26, MLB.TV will be available on the ESPN App, giving fans access to more than 2,000 out-of-market regular season games. Fans can also r...
26/03/2026
Spotify's partnership with NAVER, Korea's leading digital platform, is built around one simple goal: making it easier for listeners in Korea to discover...
26/03/2026
Exclusive to ComposerCloud for first month
Sample library and virtual instrument gurus EastWest have announced the upcoming release of a new virtual drum i...
26/03/2026
Friday 27 March
Friday 27 March will mark Dynamic Range Day 2026, the annual day of online activity that was started in 2010 by mastering engineer Ian Sheph...
26/03/2026
Includes four separate instruments
Max Richter's SRM Sounds venture have just announced their fifth release, ASMR Choir. Captured at the main live room ...
26/03/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), has been tasked with administering the Sixth Presi...
26/03/2026
By Matt Klein
Hello to everyone reading this - whether you're a current YEP, HPA member, or just YEP-curious. I'm Matt Klein, one of the co-chairs of t...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
28 participating companies, from start-ups to blue-chips, lead the UK Group as part of the GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland presence across all the Halls at N...
26/03/2026
Arkona Unveils BLADE//planner and Major Usability Enhancements at NAB 2026
Brie Clayton March 26, 2026
0 Comments
New graphical configuration tool and...
26/03/2026
Bitfocus showcases complete control at NAB Show 2026
Brie Clayton March 26, 2026
0 Comments
Continuing development drives advances in security, availa...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Nevion introduces powerful new Panel Builder to enhance VideoIPath broadcast con...
26/03/2026
2026 Oscar Nominated Films Powered by Blackmagic Design
Brie Clayton March 25, 2026
0 Comments
DaVinci Resolve Studio used on 27 of this year's no...
26/03/2026
Leader to present full suite of advanced Test & Measurement solutions at NAB Sho...
26/03/2026
Boston Conservatory to Present New England and Collegiate Premiere of Groundbrea...
26/03/2026
Thursday 26 March 2026
HBO Max included for Sky and NOW customers from 26 March...
26/03/2026
Thursday 26 March 2026
Sky Sets Iconic Costumes Dancing Together Like Never Before' in Brand CampaignTurn on cookies to view this content. Go to Privacy o...
26/03/2026
Wuppertal March 26, 2026
CS live Builds Future-Ready OB Van With Riedel MediorNet and hi Control SystemRiedel Communications today announced that Czech-based ...
26/03/2026
Back to All News
Have a Wish Worth Dying For? Netflix's First Korean YA Hor...
26/03/2026
Back to All News
The Truthers, Starring Jose Coronado and St phanie Magnin, Pre...
26/03/2026
Enhancements to Harmonic's Sports Streaming Solution Introduce Server-Side Multiview, Contextual Metadata-Driven Advertising, Dynamic In-Stream Ads and Robu...
26/03/2026
Open the report
Our 2025 report brings together results from 79 business magazine titles across 22 market sectors, published by 49 media owners. Over the year,...
26/03/2026
Editor's note: This post is part of Into the Omniverse, a series focused on ...
26/03/2026
RT Commercial today announced Fiat as sponsor of The Louise Duffy Show on RT Radio 1, Weekdays 3pm 4pm.
The Louise Duffy Show is the home of daytime music...
26/03/2026
That gaming backlog won't clear itself - GeForce NOW is here to help. Stream the latest titles straight from the cloud across a variety of devices.
This we...
26/03/2026
Wayne, N.J., March 26, 2026 Phantom High-Speed announces the latest product li...
Jacksons image, produced by Pulse Entertainment, was seen dancing and singing a new song called Slave to the Rhythm at the Billboard Music Awards. 
